The Return of Ancient Graffiti by Chipka
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Description
The coelacanth, once thought extinct, has shown itself to be a thriving species of primordial, deep-sea fish. Chicago’s “pseudo-petroglyphic graffiti”—once thought extinct—has reemerged as well: how recently, I’m not sure, but I’m glad to see that it’s back, that it was in a state of prolonged hibernation, rather than a victim of the most heinous form of extinction: death by gentrification.
There was a time when riders of the northbound Red Line would have seen oddly “ancient” labyrinth patterns painted on the sloped rooftops of numerous rickety buildings in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Those buildings—old and somewhat slanted by safe architectural standards—have been torn down and replaced by bland, soulless condo stacks. Their rooftop graffiti disappeared with them. Until very recently. When I returned from the Czech Republic, and found it necessary to ride over the precarious wobble of the Sheridan Avenue el stop, these patterns were not present. Today, I saw them, and smiled at the fact that one of Chicago’s scores of graffiti artists has made a return.
There was a time when white labyrinths popped up on countless el-track-bordering rooftops. Nearly two decades ago, they all vanished. Completely. As of today, however, I can see that they aren’t gone forever. I cannot say how long this particular pseudo-petroglyphic labyrinth might exist, but I can say that I’m glad I saw it; I’m glad I can once again wonder who might be responsible for this particular marker of life on Chicago’s North Side. I’m glad I got a picture of this: along with the glorious rust and utilitarian “ugliness” that marks so much of “hidden” Chicago. It’s a glimpse of what Chicago once was, and perhaps these strange, complex lines and odd parabolic curves are a repressed memory of the city, reasserting itself; maybe Chicago is remember who she once was, and has decided that she wasn’t such a bad gal back in the days when she had a personality and fewer North Face outlets. Maybe these marks (always somehow viewed as “a sign”) are indeed proof that something is afoot in the Windy City. Perhaps the winds themselves have blown something of interest back to the northeastern tip of Illinois.
Or maybe this graffiti is simply a fluke: someone’s attempt to pay homage to a graffiti artist at home…elsewhere.
Whatever the reason may be, I’m glad I saw the mysterious “Chicago Lines” once again, and I’m glad I photographed them, as they are likely to disappear again.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all in the midst of a fantastic weekend.
Comments (19)
NefariousDrO
I like that kind of graffiti. I must admit that it appeals to my esthetic tastes partly because of my own fondness for petroglyphs and the like, and the fact that it just looks cool! Nice shot!
MrsRatbag
This is so much more appealing than the usual scrawl of names that appear on public structures. I would think this should be encouraged!
RodS
Verrrry cool, Chip! Now, this is graffiti I can say I really enjoy! Great capture!
bimm3d
wonderful design!!
beachzz
Intriguing stuff; brings to mind old Aztec work or something like that. Gotta wonder who did it.
CoreyBlack
Boy, this was a shock! I'm at this station all the time on my many trips to Howard Brown Clinic, and this was definitely wasn't there last week. Imagine my suprise. For a second I thought I was pulling a Billy Pilgram, and had become unstuck in time. I wondered ever so briefly if I was in 2011 or 1991. Back in those days, graphitti was everywhere, and in addition to the more pedesterian gang crap and profanity, there were some true artists at work. I remember this person, their work ( I always wondered if it was a slumming Keith Harring) appeared, as you said, along the rooftops of all the old buildings along the Howard/Red Line train tracks. And it wasn't just Lakeview, examples ran all the way up to Loyola Ave in Roger's Park. Anyway, this brings back a lot of great memories or a bygone Chicago. Or is it? According to recently released 2010 cencus info, Chicago lost 2% of it's population back to the suburbs. Hmmmmmmmm. This bodes well. One thing for sure, this artist isn't Keith Harring (he died in 1990), but whoever they are, it's great to see them back! Nice catch and a great shot!
helanker
Well, That is indeed one of the more beautiful kind of graffiti. Pity it will be gone again, but I am also glad you took this shot. Then it is not completely gone :-)
durleybeachbum
Very attractive indeed! Let's hope there is more to come!
bmac62
What a lot of effort AND paint...but look at the profound impact this has had on you and Corey...the effort is not in vain. Makes me wonder who would go to all the trouble to paint over it? A very interesting activity...now you've got me googling graffiti art:)
kgb224
Wonderful capture my friend.
Sepiasiren
great capture and masterful artwork on behalf of the graffiti creator...
GARAGELAND
As always exceptional! What about my challange (crime Scene pic?) http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=2171479&username=GARAGELAND&member&np
flavia49
magnificent capture!!
faroutsider
You should visit Cape Town - the graffiti culture is alive and very well... Great capture and ruminations (as always).
Orinoor
I've always loved good graffiti and hated the ugly gang marks, yet they always get treated the same. I still look for the art when a train passes through. Good to see you caught yourself one before it's painted over!
auntietk
I'm glad you got this shot! There's a bit of a mystery to the story, which I like a lot. All the unanswered questions ... it makes my mind go! The photograph stands nicely on its own, but your story gives it added depth and interest. An excellent presentation!
sandra46
superb as usual
KatesFriend
Interesting, one wonders how someone (or someones) could create such extensive and intricate works so undetected. Obviously, lots of planning and thought went into this effort, not to mention the resources. It's good to know that urban art is still alive and well. This work reminds me of an old CBC public affairs series called 'Ombudsman'. The opening depicted an extensive, darkened, animated labyrinth with common citizens struggling to find their way through. The show centred on informing the public about dealing with local, provincial and federal government rules and bureaucracies.
praep
Great art will come back sometimes - well done shot.